Community News
One People, One, Nation, One Destiny; Guyana’s 50th Republic Anniversary Celebration
BY SIMONE J. SMITH
On Wednesday, January 22nd, 2020, Toronto Caribbean Newspaper made the trek down to the Consulate General of Guyana in Toronto. We joined a dynamic and diverse group of Guyanese Canadians who have joined together to mark the 50th Anniversary of the Republic of Guyana. The General Toronto Area has the second largest Guyanese diaspora community, at 125,000+ strong.
Hosting the event was the 50th Republic Planning Committee, who are committed to being inclusive, non-partisan, and ready to organize and bring together Guyanese in the diaspora to celebrate the achievements of Guyana as a nation. There will be a number of events to mark the Golden Jubilee Anniversary Celebrations, and this gathering was a way to fill the media in on what was happening so that we can inform the community. Here are a few events that we can look forward to:
February 22nd, 2020
Flag raising ceremony and Interfaith Service on at the Scarborough Civic Centre
March 28th, 2020
Guyana Talk on Sustainable Development in the Oil and Gas era, which is held in partnership with the University of Toronto at the George Ignatieff Theatre, University of Toronto
March 29th, 2020
Golden Jubilee Cocktail Reception, Cultural Evening and Awards Ceremony at the P.C. Ho Theatre
Ms. Anyin Choo (Consul General Guyana to Toronto), spoke openly about the Consulate’s focus throughout the planning process, which is to mobilize the Guyanese community here in Canada. It is about uniting the community across the: ethnic, religious and political spectrums. Celebration! I heard this word often, and soon learned what the Guyanese community had to be proud of.
They are proud of the fact that as a nation they celebrate all practiced religious holidays. They honour one another’s culinary artistry, and the many cultural traditions that are found throughout the community. In 2019, Guyana was awarded the Destination Stewardship Award, which highlights a country, region, town, village or community that is making bold moves towards sustainable tourism management at the destination-level. Guyana has made great strides in improving the long-term competitiveness of tourism business and destination, preserving and conserving cultural, historical and natural heritages, enhancing the well-being of communities, and promoting sustainable tourism and good practices to other tourism stakeholders.
“You may know and many people know that there’s a sentiment that sometimes Guyanese can’t always come together to plan something but we are very proud to say today that this process has reflected all segments of our diaspora and we’ve worked very hard to ensure that everyone feels welcome and everyone feels that their voice counts.” ~ Brandon Chung (Chair, Guyanese-Canadian 50th Republic Anniversary Celebration Committee)
What I appreciated during my visit is hearing that the committee was actively imploring young people to take part in their community. Brandon Chung, who is only in his 20’s, is also the chair of the Guyanese Canadian Young Professionals Association. He recognizes that a generational disconnect exists. This is not only found in the Guyanese community, but in the West Indian community in general. Young people may identify as Guyanese because their grandparents or their parents are Guyanese. Even though they may identify as Guyanese, they really take no interest in their culture. Brandon has taken it as a personal charge to work with the YPA to bring the older cohort, and the younger cohort together.
“We’re all volunteers, and so everyone’s trying to take on this responsibility amid their day jobs, the jobs that pay bills, so volunteerism is big for us. But we need to be considerate with new folks.” ~ Jillian Williams (Co-chair of the 50RAC)
The committee has brilliantly divided up the work so that it makes it easier to garner volunteers to help. They have found it’s useful to set up subcommittees to deal with the immense amount of work it will take to make the celebrations great.
“One of the pillars of the 50th committee is to ensure that whatever your religion, sex, creed, sexual orientation, or any parts of the human right’s code are indeed impacted by the decision making process, so you’re part of the decision, not a part of the result of the decision.” ~ John O’Dell (Chair for the Awards and Recognition Committee)
It is incredible to see how organized the committee is. As an outsider, I instantly saw that each member had taken on his or her responsibilities wholeheartedly. I had the chance to also meet Shirley Daniels (Committee Secretary), and the very lighthearted Treasurer Omar, who let me know that his job entailed keeping track of the funds, making sure that sponsors are acknowledged, and keeping the executive committee entertained to the best of his ability. He did a great job that night; he had the whole room howling at his silliness, and playful attitude.
The Consulate and the Planning Committee have connected with some powerful sponsors who are dedicated to making this 50th Anniversary something to be talked about for years to come. The Planning Committee expresses their sincere gratitude to: e-Magic, SmartWorX, Citrus Personnel Inc., Caribbean Airlines, Victor’s Collection Agency, Pine Point Banquet Hall, Arts Mortgage Camp Inc., Demerara Distillers Limited and their agent here in Canada Woodman Wines & Spirits, the Give Help To Kids Foundation and Westway Medical Clinic. Together, they have all gathered with the same aim, to make this celebration a success.